Begin the class by projecting the Ladybug Applet. Show students how to show the leaf by clicking on the “Show Leaf” button. Then demonstrate how to move the ladybug in a line or to make a turn. Students should use the Arrows for Moving Ladybug Activity Sheet as a reference for the directions given during your demonstration.
Note that the arrows indicate the direction in which the ladybug moves.] It is most important for students to observe the angle at which the ladybug moves (45 or 90 degrees and their directions, left and right). Review the navigation tools on the interactive applet and invite students to describe what they do.
Allow several students to use the mouse to demonstrate the steps in moving the ladybug with the arrows and angles. This is an excellent opportunity to introduce directional vocabulary, such as move forward, move backward, turn
right, and turn left. The unique characteristics of your students will determine when it is appropriate to identify the “small” right turn, “large” right turn, “small” left turn, and “large” left turn as 45-degree and 90-degree
right and left turns. Students can use the Making Turns Activity Sheet to identify these turns.
Have students practice hiding the ladybug. If you do not have enough computers for each student, they may work in pairs or take turns. Use the guiding questions provided [or others that are appropriate in your context] to focus students’ attention on the mathematical ideas central to this lesson. As students work with the applet, check for a match between the length of the arrows and the distance that the ladybug moves with each arrow.
Remember to document the understandings students demonstrate as they move the ladybug about the screen.
